Congratulations to florist Amy Haviland who has won her way through to the national final of a young trader’s competition after taking part in two special events in the city.

Amy, who runs Nova Blooms in Four Ashes, was one of the business owners who took part in this summer’s young trader markets.

The markets took place at Bilston Indoor and Outdoor Market, City Centre Market and Wednesfield Market during July and August to offer young people aged between 16 and 30 the opportunity to help kickstart or grow a business.

Of the 12 young people who took part, three were put forward to the regional finals of the national young traders competition, run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), which recognises and celebrates young traders from across the UK.

The regional final was held at the city’s Dudley Street market last Saturday (12 August) and Amy was successful in winning her way through to the competition’s national final, to be held in Stratford-upon-Avon on 25 and 26 August.

Amy said: “I’m so excited to be taking part in the National Young Traders Final at Stratford-Upon-Avon, August Bank Holiday weekend, with hundreds of other amazing young traders!

“I’ve had the best experience the past few weeks, meeting other young traders and making lots of new customers - I’ll be forever grateful for all the support.”

As part of this summer’s young trader events, the business owners were able to access ongoing support through City of Wolverhampton Council’s dedicated package for young traders. 

The package includes teaming up with a mentor who has market trading experience, access to business support, four weeks’ free rent, discounted rent periods and enrolment onto the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.

Councillor Craig Collingswood, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “What fantastic news that Amy has made her way through to the national finals, this is a really great achievement. I wish her all the very best for the event in Stratford-upon-Avon and I’m sure she’s going to wow the judges there too.

“I’d also like to congratulate all the young people who took part in our young trader events and would encourage any young people who are thinking of starting their own business to contact us to find out more about the support package we are offering.”

For more information about the young traders support package, please contact markets@wolverhampton.gov.uk